Block Diagram of a Computer System
A. L.U. performs
arithmetic & logic
operations
Input Unit Output Unit
Data & instructions Information after
processing
Main Memory- Holds
data & instructions & results of
processing
-RAM
Storage - supplements the
main storage.
KEY
Data
Instructions
Command Flow
TYPE OF COMPUTERS
1. Supercomputers
2. Mainframes
3. Minicomputers
4. Microcomputers
Supercomputers
• Describes a category of extremely powerful computers specifically designed for
high-speed numeric computation.
• The computers can process hundreds of millions of instructions per second.
• High-capacity computers capable of executing instructions faster than main frame &
are extremely expensive.
• The speed of executing these instructions generates extreme heat, and therefore the
computers require special cooling system to operate.
• Uses include weather forecasting, scientific and mathematical research, and design of
highspeed aircraft and space exploration.
Mainframes
• Are large, powerful computers that are physically larger than micros and minis and
usually have one or more central processors with faster instruction processing
speeds?
• They typically process hundreds of millions of instructions per second.
• Mainframes have large primary storage capacities.
• Many mainframe models have the ability to service hundreds of users at once.
• Some commercial organizations require large amounts of data to be processed in the
list possible time.
• Mainframes allow one to perform such functions
• Uses of mainframes include: data warehousing, commercial airline ticketing &
reservations, government record keeping & financial servicing
• Application categories: Host computers, Database servers, and Transaction
processors.
Minicomputers
• Are larger and more powerful than most microcomputers but are smaller and less
powerful than most mainframe computer systems.
• Serve in industrial process-control manufacturing plant computers and play a major
role in CAM.
• Also take the form of powerful technical workstations for CAD applications.
• Often used as front-end processors/computers to help mainframe computers control
data communications networks with large numbers of data entry terminals.
• Also used as powerful Network servers to help manage large interconnected LANs
that tie together many workstations
• Downsizing is a term that was commonly used in the early nineties when smaller
computers, capable of much of the functions of mainframes, began capturing the
computer market.
• Minicomputers are suitable for mid-sized companies that require the computing
power of mainframes to be efficient and at the same time be cost effective.
• Users of mini-computers would be smaller banks & financial institutions,
supermarket chains and departmental stores.
Microcomputers
• We refer to a microcomputer as a personal computer or PC.
• Microcomputers categorized by size include: Desktops, Laptops for example.
• Most microcomputers are single user computers.
• The late nineties have seen a huge influx of microcomputers whose sole aim was to
provide affordable computing power to the general public.
• They are now used as Network servers. The demand for microcomputers and the
changes in microchip technology have produced cheaper computers that are
affordable to students and the general public. Can support CAD.
• Users of microcomputers range from students, who use them for word processing, to
a salesperson. Who depend on the microcomputer for information?
• Application categories: PCs, Network servers.
• Network servers are powerful microcomputers that controls & coordinates
communication & resource sharing in LANs of interconnected PCs & other devices.
The main differences among the above computer types are in:
• Processing speed,
• Memory capacity
• Number and capabilities or peripheral devices that can be attached to the computer
• Usage.
